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assessment tool
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A device or activity, such as a chart, report, or brainstorming session, that helps the kaizen team determine the state of the process either before or after the event.
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brainstorming
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An activity in which an individual or group rapidly lists ideas, problems, or solutions. Brainstorming lists are usually generated as multiple responses to a particular question.
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cellular manufacturing
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A specialized grouping of people, machines, tooling, and materials. The purpose of a cell is to efficiently produce small batches of parts.
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cross-functional team
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A group of people from different departments and with differing areas of expertise who work together to define and implement changes to a manufacturing process.
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Five S
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A targeted list of activities that promotes organization and efficiency within a workspace. The Five S terms are sifting, sorting, sweeping, standardizing, and sustaining.
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future state
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The improved condition for a process. A future-state flow chart maps out the manufacturing process as it should be, with all possible flaws and errors eliminated.
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future-state flow chart
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A graphical representation of the improved condition of a process. A future-state flow chart maps out the manufacturing process as it should be, with all possible flaws and errors eliminated.
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implementation plan
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The sum of all the planning tools. The implementation plan is based around the future-state map and should include the goals, to-do lists, and other devices that will help improve the process.
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kaizen
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A Japanese word that means "change for the better." Kaizen is a method of continuous improvement that requires everyone in the company to seek out and eliminate waste and errors.
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kaizen event
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A multi-day, hands-on event that targets a particular problem area within a company. Kaizen events result in dramatic changes carried out by a cross-functional team.
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level and balance
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A method of breaking tasks down into steps that are redistributed until each task requires the same amount of time for completion.
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metric
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A measured variable that is tracked and can be used to detect errors or variation and make improvements.
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planning tool
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A device, such as a process map, that helps the team determine how to improve the existing process.
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pokayoke
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A Japanese term meaning "mistake proofing." An example of pokayoke would be a machine designed so that parts can be fixtured only in the correct position.
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present state
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The current condition of a process. A present-state flow chart captures all the details of a manufacturing process just as it is at the moment the chart is produced, including any flaws or errors.
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process flow chart
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A visual representation of the steps required to manufacture a product.
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process map
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A flow charting method that uses general symbols and arrows to show the flow of the manufacturing process.
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root cause analysis
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A study to determine the original cause of a problem. Asking the question "Why?" over and over is a simple form of root cause analysis.
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setup reduction
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A lean effort that uses standardization to reduce the time it takes to perform retooling.
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spaghetti diagram
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A flow charting method that uses a continuous line to trace the path of a part through all phases of manufacturing. Spaghetti diagrams expose inefficient layouts and large distances traveled between steps.
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statistical tool
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A device, such as a chart, that compares numerical data. For example, a statistical tool might track the number of errors produced in a three-month span.
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supplier
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An organization that provides a product to a company. Products are often passed in a chain, from the supplier to the company to the customer.
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total productive maintenance
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A manufacturing improvement method that increases production and reduces waste through continuous attention to the condition of machines and processes. TPM's main goal is to maximize equipment usefulness across its lifespan.
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value stream map
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A sophisticated flow charting method that uses symbols, metrics, and arrows to help visualize processes and track performance. This method helps determine which steps add value and which do not.
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